Ricky Gervais to star in The Muppets sequel?

Ricky Gervais is negotiating a role as the "human lead character" in the follow-up to 2011 comedy 'The Muppets'

Ricky Gervais is in line for a role in 'The Muppets' sequel.

The British funnyman could be joining Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy in the follow-up to the 2011 family-favourite comedy after negotiating a part in James Bobin's upcoming film.

He is expected to play the "human lead character" in what The Hollywood Reporter describes as a "European-centric adventure", taking over from Jason Segel's starring role in last year's big screen reboot.

Ricky joins 'Modern Family' actor Ty Burrell, who has already been cast as a lazy Interpol agent following the gang of loveable puppets across Europe. Other main human roles include a Russian femme fatale.

The script is being worked on by returning director James Bobin and screenwriter Nicholas Stoller.

The project would mark 'The Office' comedian Ricky's first live-action role since 'The Invention of Lying' and 'Cemetery Junction'.

Original star Jason - who co-wrote and starred in the first film - confirmed earlier this year he had no intention of returning to the franchise.

He said: "My goal was to bring 'The Muppets' back and I did that leaving them in very good hands, my writing partner and James Bobin the director. I did what I set out to do, and now I wanna pursue more human-related projects."